Archive · 27 Jan 2026
Republic Day Seating Sparks BJP-Congress Clash
On January 26, 2026, India celebrated its 77th Republic Day with a grand parade at Kartavya Path in New Delhi.
Two top leaders from Europe, Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen, attended as chief guests.
However, a big argument started between the BJP and Congress parties about where their leaders were sitting.
Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge were seated in the third row, which Congress said was against the rules.
BJP leaders said the seating follows the official rules and that Congress was just being dramatic.
The BJP also pointed out that Rahul Gandhi often misses important events.
This is not the first time seating at the parade has caused a fight between the parties.
Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge were seated in the third row at the Republic Day parade, leading to a dispute with the BJP.
BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla accused Congress of prioritizing entitlement over constitutional norms, stating that seating is decided by the Warrant of Precedence.
Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala alleged a breach of protocol and decorum, sharing images of the seating arrangement.
BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari criticized Rahul Gandhi for being on his phone during the parade instead of focusing on the seating issue.
This is not the first time seating arrangements at the Republic Day parade have triggered political controversy.
- Who
- BJP and Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Shehzad Poonawalla, Randeep Singh Surjewala
- What
- Controversy over seating arrangements at Republic Day parade
- When
- January 26, 2026
- Where
- Kartavya Path, New Delhi
- Why
- Dispute over protocol and political status
- Date
- January 26, 2026
- Event
- 77th Republic Day of India
- Key Attendees
- Antonio Costa, Ursula von der Leyen, Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Jagdeep Dhankhar, Narendra Modi, Droupadi Murmu
- Location
- Kartavya Path, New Delhi
- Significance
- First time two top EU leaders attended as chief guests
- Seating Controversy
- Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge seated in the third row
Sources
World leaders, top business figures extend wishes to India on 77th Republic Day 2026
Ex-VP Dhankhar, LoPs Kharge, Rahul attend R-Day parade
Top EU leaders grace India’s Republic Day celebrations for first time
Remarks against military officer: Cong slams BJP after Vijay Shah hoists Tricolour at R-Day event
Republic Day: India moving fast on strength of Constitution, democratic values, says Fadnavis
Naidu Unfurls National Flag at Camp Office on Republic Day
Republic Day 2026: Major Row Erupts At Nashik R-Day Event After Woman Forest Dept Officer Alleges Minister Girish Mahajan Insulted Babasaheb Ambedkar | Video
On Rahul Gandhi's R-Day Seat, Congress Flags 'Protocol' With A 2014 Pic
‘Is He Owner Of India?’ BJP, Congress Face-Off Over Rahul Gandhi’s Seating At R-Day Parade
Third row seats for Kharge, Rahul; Cong says LoPs insulted
‘Low-level politics by BJP’: Congress cries foul over Rahul Gandhi’s 3rd row R-Day seat, flags ‘protocol mess-up’
Third row seat: Cong accuses BJP of insulting Rahul, Kharge at R-Day event
Delhi Confidential: Republic Day Appearance
India showcases military might on Kartavya Path
